Feel the holiday anticipation in Blackpool! Discover all the exciting events and activities with our guide. Whether you're a Blackpool regular or a one-time visitor, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of magic.
Popular events like Christmas by the Sea invite you to enjoy festive markets and entertainment along the stunning coastline. Featuring dazzling lights and an enchanting atmosphere, the Blackpool Illuminations draw visitors to experience the holiday spirit in a vibrant display. And the Preston Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an array of artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Blackpool
- Blackpool Illuminations
- Christmas by the Sea
- Lancaster on Ice (Lancaster)
- Preston Christmas Market (Preston)
- Snow White pantomime on ice
- Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Sail to Santa, WWT Martin Mere (Burscough)
- Santa by the lake at Brockholes (Preston)
- Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s (Burscough)
- Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm (Ormskirk)
See these and even more events listed below!
Blackpool Holiday Light Displays
Christmas by the Sea
What to Expect:
Extensive festive activities and attractions along the seafront.
Description:
Christmas by the Sea is an outdoor village featuring festive light installations, projection shows, themed log cabins, artificial snowfalls, and Christmas trees. It includes a free skating rink, festive tram rides, and various themed children’s attractions and thrill rides.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Christmas by the Sea
Lightpool Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and 3D projection shows by international artists.
Description:
Lightpool Festival is a spectacular celebration of light art, featuring interactive installations, 3D projection shows, and live performances by international artists. The event transforms Blackpool's iconic landmarks and outdoor spaces into a vibrant display of light and color.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Lightpool Festival
Frost Fairies light projections on The Blackpool Tower
What to Expect:
Colorful 3D projections of fairies and ice palaces on Blackpool Tower.
Description:
Frost Fairies light projections on The Blackpool Tower feature a captivating display of fairies, fireflies, precious jewels, and ice palaces projected nightly onto the historic building.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Frost Fairies light projections on The Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Holiday Markets and Shopping
Preston Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Vibrant marketplace showcasing local artisans and street food.
Description:
Preston Makers Market is a monthly event featuring the North West's finest makers, bakers, and creators. Expect an array of art, craft, food, drink, coffee, and street food. The market is held at Flag Market, PR1 2AP, every second Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Preston | More Info: Preston Christmas Market
Lancaster on Ice
What to Expect:
Real ice rink with festive market stalls and attractions.
Description:
Lancaster on Ice returns to historic Dalton Square with 800m of real ice, Christmas Market Stalls, a Giant Tipi Bar, and a giant Ferris Wheel and Carousel.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Lancaster on Ice
Hoghton Tower Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Celebrating local produce and crafts in a historic setting.
Description:
Explore the finest Lancastrian fresh food and crafts at Hoghton Tower Farmers Market, featuring traditional pies, cheese, and fresh farm-reared meat, along with unique handmade jewelry and local gifts.
Where: Hoghton | More Info: Hoghton Tower Farmers Market
Blackpool Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blackpool Illuminations
What to Expect:
Mass participation karaoke and high-energy DJ sets.
Description:
Blackpool Illuminations is a spectacular display of over a million lights stretching six miles along the Blackpool Promenade, featuring traditional festoons, tableaux, and interactive displays. The event includes a switch-on ceremony with live music performances by local and international artists, culminating in the iconic light switch by Mel B.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Blackpool Illuminations
Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
At Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Christmas Grotto, children are guided by festive elves through an interactive walkway where they can write their Christmas wish lists, collect reindeer food and a magic key, and meet Santa Claus. The experience includes a ride on Alice in Wonderland and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Snow White pantomime on ice
What to Expect:
Classic fairy tale on ice with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Snow White pantomime on ice is a captivating performance featuring elaborate sets and costumes, bringing the classic fairy tale to life on ice.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Snow White pantomime on ice
Blackpool Other Holiday Activities
Santa by the lake at Brockholes
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa workshop with cookie decorating.
Description:
Meet Santa in his workshop at Brockholes Nature Reserve, where children can chat with him and pick out a special gift. The event features a cookie decorating station and festive photo opportunities.
Where: Preston | More Info: Santa by the lake at Brockholes
Sail to Santa, WWT Martin Mere
What to Expect:
Boat trip to Santa's Island with festive crafts.
Description:
Join us for an extra special Christmas experience at WWT Martin Mere. Sail across to Santa's Island, meet Santa and his elves, and engage in festive crafts in the Elves' workshop.
Where: Burscough | More Info: Sail to Santa, WWT Martin Mere
Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive farm experience with Shaun the Sheep.
Description:
Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm offers a day filled with fun and adventure for kids, featuring indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, and themed activities like Shaun the Sheep attractions.
Where: Ormskirk | More Info: Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm
Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and the elves.
Description:
At Mrs Dowson’s Farm, immerse yourself in a festive adventure featuring Santa's Grotto, an Elf Workshop, and Mrs Christmas’ Kitchen. Explore the farm, meet farm animals, and enjoy various activities like making a bear and singing reindeer.
Where: Burscough | More Info: Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Family-friendly charity run in Santa suits along Blackpool's promenade.
Description:
Join the Blackpool Santa Dash, a fun family event where you can run, jog, or walk along the famous promenade while dressed as Santa. The event supports Brian House Children's Hospice, providing specialist care for children with life-limiting illnesses.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Santa Dash
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool
What to Expect:
Synchronized fireworks displays choreographed to music.
Description:
The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool features three dazzling displays set to music, showcasing the best pyrotechnic teams from around the world. The event takes place over the beach in front of Blackpool Tower, with crowds building from 7:30 PM and fireworks firing at approximately 8:30 PM. All displays are free to access and subject to weather conditions.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: World Fireworks Championship Blackpool
German Swing Grill at Christmas By The Sea
What to Expect:
Thrilling ride with a festive twist.
Description:
The German Swing Grill at Christmas By The Sea offers a thrilling ride experience with a unique twist, combining German-style swings with a festive atmosphere.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: German Swing Grill at Christmas By The Sea
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Thornton-Cleveleys (4 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (6 miles)
- Fylde (6 miles)
- Fleetwood (8 miles)
- Southport (12 miles)
- Preston (15 miles)
- Leyland (17 miles)
- Formby (18 miles)
- Ormskirk (19 miles)
- Lancaster (19 miles)
- Morecambe (19 miles)
- Chorley (21 miles)
- Maghull (21 miles)
- Barrow in Furness (22 miles)
- Skelmersdale (22 miles)
- Crosby (23 miles)
- Blackburn (24 miles)
- Kirkby (24 miles)
- Litherland (24 miles)
- Bootle (24 miles)
- Darwen (25 miles)
- Wigan (25 miles)
- Wallasey (27 miles)
- Hindley (27 miles)
- Liverpool (28 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (28 miles)
- Westhoughton (28 miles)
- St Helens (28 miles)
- Accrington (29 miles)
- Prescot (29 miles)
- Birkenhead (29 miles)
- Huyton (29 miles)
- Golborne (30 miles)
- Bolton (30 miles)
- Atherton (30 miles)
- Leigh (31 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (31 miles)
- Tyldesley (32 miles)
- Rawtenstall (32 miles)
- Farnworth (32 miles)
- Rossendale (33 miles)
- Burnley (33 miles)
- Walkden (34 miles)
- Great Sankey (34 miles)
- Heswall (34 miles)
- Widnes (34 miles)
- Bury (34 miles)
- Radcliffe (35 miles)
- Nelson (35 miles)
- Warrington (35 miles)
- Runcorn (35 miles)
- Whitefield (36 miles)
- Colne (36 miles)
- Prestwich (37 miles)
- Eccles (37 miles)
- Kendal (37 miles)
- Heywood (37 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (38 miles)
- Urmston (38 miles)
- Salford (39 miles)
- Rhyl (39 miles)
- Rochdale (39 miles)
- Stretford (39 miles)
- Middleton (39 miles)
- Flint (40 miles)
- Sale (40 miles)
- Manchester (41 miles)
- Altrincham (41 miles)
- Royton (42 miles)
- Failsworth (42 miles)
- Deeside (43 miles)
- Oldham (43 miles)
- Hawarden (44 miles)
- Droylsden (44 miles)
- Chester (44 miles)
- Northwich (44 miles)
- Buckley (45 miles)